As luxurious as The Grove resort has been for the 49ers this week, linebacker Patrick Willis surely will embrace their move Friday to a different practice field closer to London.

“It’s soggy and slippery, everything a guy trying to get over a groin (injury) doesn’t need,” Willis said before Thursday’s session on The Grove’s soft sod, their second straight day on that field.

The 49ers will leave The Grove’s otherwise posh surroundings in the Hertfordshire countryside on Friday, when they’ll go practice at Saracens Rugby Club’s Allianz Park in the London borough of Barnet. They’ll also move to a London hotel.

Under sunny skies Thursday, the 49ers practiced a second straight day on a practice field that’s apparently better for scenery than top-notch footing. The field was in much worse condition three years ago when the 49ers also practiced here before their game against the Denver Broncos.

“That field, I wouldn’t say I’m very fond of it,” Willis said.

Divots clearly came up throughout the warm-up period by linebackers and receivers, as witnessed during the brief media-access window.

Back on the practice field Thursday were the four players who did not participate in Wednesday’s team drills: defensive linemen Justin Smith (shoulder), Ray McDonald (biceps) and Glenn Dorsey (hamstring), and wide receiver Jon Baldwin (illness). Linebacker Ahmad Brooks and Mario Manningham came out a tad tardy to practice but appeared fine.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was asked whether he prefers a grass or artificial surface for playing conditions. Fangio’s response: “Compared to the practice field here, it’d be artificial. But I’ve always liked grass better.”